Philadelphia Eagles: The low-risk, high-reward of signing Kenyan Drake
The Philadelphia Eagles have looked like a much-improved team in nearly every area this preseason. From their receiving core to their quarterback play to nearly the entire defense, the Eagles are looking strong and deep heading into the new year, but there are a few spots where the team could use some reinforcements, including at running back.
For Philadelphia, the top three rotation backs are clear. Miles Sanders leads the way while the young Kenny Gainwell continues to improve, and the electric Boston Scott fills in the gaps between. The issue at hand is that one injury could derail the entire committee. Miles Sanders and Boston Scott have both already dealt with injuries this preseason, and the former is unfortunately known for his injury history.
The Eagles will undoubtedly need a fourth back for the season if their run-first offense hopes to produce as they did in 2021-22, and the answer may have just become available.
Kenyan Drake is a low-risk, high-reward option for the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was reported on Monday that the former Dolphin and Cardinal was set to be released by the Las Vegas Raiders. Drake was set to begin the second year of what was initially a two-year $11 million contract he had signed with the Raiders before this news came forward.
It’s important to notice the verbiage used. Vegas has not yet released Kenyan Drake and will likely take until the 4:00 PM ET deadline to trim their roster down to 80. By doing so, the Raiders can scour the league looking for a trade partner for Drake, perhaps even the Eagles. Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler even told Drake as much when he called to inform him of the direction the franchise was taking.
It’s not overly surprising that the Raiders are parting ways with the back out of Alabama. The team has depth at running back, and the upcoming year is not certain for Kenyan Drake. 2021 was a struggle for Drake as he managed only 254 rushing yards and two touchdowns before breaking his right ankle in Week 13. After spending the following months recovering, the soon-to-be former Raider is apparently feeling, in his own words, “great” heading into the new season.
There may be some initial pause in adding another back coming off of an injury to the Eagles’ depth chart, but for what he would cost — little, if anything — the reward certainly outweighs the risk. Before his injury-shortened season last year, Kenyan Drake racked up three consecutive seasons with over 1000 yards from scrimmage, scoring 27 total touchdowns while doing so.
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It’s worth stating that Drake is much more attractive as a free agent than a trade target. That shouldn’t be a problem, however, as it is the likely consensus around the league. He would by no means be the featured back for the Philadelphia Eagles, but Kenyan Drake could certainly be a contributor. And if not, the team would be able to move on with little, if any, regret.